Hinsdale South Athletic Club Hopes People ‘Hustle’ to Help

Lace up a pair of sneakers this weekend and participate in the second annual "Hornet Hustle" 5K/1mile youth run/walk.

“It’s a great event,” said Athletic Club President Marie Gradishar.

The Hornet Hustle takes place from 6 to 11 a.m. Sunday at , 7100 Clarendon Hills Road.

Last year’s event brought out 300 runners and walkers.

“We were thrilled,” Gradishar said. “It was a great turnout, especially with it being the first race.”

The Hinsdale South Athletic Club, made up of volunteer parents, staff, and alumni, benefits and funds much needed items for the school's athletic department, as well as scholarships to deserving outgoing seniors.

Last year’s Hornet Hustle raised $10,000 and drew runners from all over the state.

“It’s a great race on a nice flat course,” Gradishar said. “And there are cash prizes. We also have a ton of local restaurants and vendors contributing. It’s a wonderful community event.”

There will also be a Tot Trot for kids which begins at 9:30 a.m.

Check-in for the Hornet Hustle goes from 6:30 to 8 a.m., with the 1-mile youth event for ages 14 and under beginning at 8:20 a.m. The 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) run steps off at 8:40 a.m.

Since the start of the Hinsdale South Athletic Club two years ago, donations to the Hinsdale South athletics program have included a new stadium scoreboard, repositioning of the old scoreboard to east side of the campus, golf umbrellas and towels for boys and girls golf team, record boards for gymnastics and tarps for varsity baseball field.

“We’ve had great support with donations from everybody in the community,” Gradishar said.

Club members hope to match last year’s Hornet Hustle fundraising amount. That money will be put toward renovations on the varsity baseball fields.

"That’s our current project right now,” Gradishar said.

For those interested in participating, Gradishar encourages them to sign up.

“It’s not too late,” she said.

The registration fee for the 5K is $25, and $18 for the 1-mile youth walk/run.

For more information, visit www.hinsdalesouthathleticclub.org.